Sunday’s National U18 Cup Quarter Final was another thrilling encounter between two clubs with very similar profile’s who have met on many occasions over the years. From U13 Community Games All Ireland’s in Mosney to a National Senior Cup Final in Tallaght to many other closely-fought contests across all ages, the common theme is always honesty of effort and pride in their parish. Both share the tradition of an annual Christmas “Blitz” which bonds them to their communities and feeds the love of the game in two “unusual” centres of basketball excellence.

On Sunday, they went toe-to-toe once again and with just over 2 mins on the clock in a ding-dong affair, Castleisland led by 4. However, over the closing period, Moycullen showed the greater control and experience, scoring the last 11 points and earning a place in the National semi-final against Tolka Rovers in early January.